6 common myths and truths about face oil

We’ve seen the rise and rise of face oils over the last few years and, while research shows these little bottles of liquid gold have many brilliant skin benefits, there is still plenty of confusion surrounding them, too. For those of us who always thought oil was our skin's number one enemy, it's time to think again. Oil could actually be your skin's greatest ally, so allow us to bust those popular face oil myths for you...

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Myth: Face oils are a new skin care fad

Fact: Women have been using them for centuries to protect and soothe their skin

It turns out that facial oils have been part of a tried-and-trusted skin care regime for hundreds of years. The Egyptians were known to anoint their skin with different blends of fragrant plant seed oils – including fenugreek, peppermint and bitter almond - to keep it soft and beautiful. The geisha and samurai of ancient Japan used precious, fragrant camellia oil to add gloss to their hair. Pleasure-seeking Romans loved aromatic, oily massages with almond and castor seed oil, while over in India, the medicinal practice of Ayurveda has recommended the use of special Tailiams (oils) for beautifying and purifying skin for centuries.

Getty Images

Myth: If you have oily skin, you should steer clear of face oils

Fact: The fatty acids in plant oils can help rebalance oily skin and stop it from overproducing sebum

If your skin’s oily, it’s tempting to wish for a squeaky clean complexion but harsh detergents and over-zealous scrubbing will actually strip your skin and send pores into overdrive.

The key to rebalancing oily skin is respecting its barrier function and calming sebum production – and face oils can help do just that. They’re packed with nourishing fatty acids that protect our skin’s natural barrier - helping it to hold on to hydration and protecting it from the elements. The result? Calmer, clearer skin, that doesn’t need to produce extra oil to moisturize itself.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Of course, not all oils are created equal – look for cold pressed plant seed oils like rosehip, which is packed with protective antioxidants and black cumin seed oil, which has anti-microbial properties to see off acne-causing bacteria.

Fact: Oils can remove even the toughest waterproof mascara, whilst still respecting the skin’s natural barrier

Oils emulsify the waxes that give waterproof makeup its staying power, so they’re easier to remove from your skin. And because oils are respectful of your skin’s natural lipid barrier, they won’t leave your skin feeling tight or stripped like wash-off cleansers can.

Warm a few drops of cleansing oil (such as The Body Shop Silky Cleansing Oil, £11) in the palms of your hands and massage them into dry skin, taking the time to really work them in. Next, soak a flannel or soft wash cloth with warm water, wring it, then press it on to your face for a few moments, allowing its warmth to loosen and melt any stubborn debris. Then, wipe the day away, wringing and refreshing your cloth with more warm water as you need. Your skin will be left glowing, soft and deep-down clean.

Getty Images

Myth: Face oils aren't as good as moisturisers at hydrating skin

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Fact: Oils penetrate skin more easily, so they help moisturise skin more effectively than creams

Face oils are lipophilic – that is, they are ‘fat loving’ – so they pass through the lipid layer of our skin faster than moisturizers, which are blends of water and oil. This means they’re absorbed quicker by our skin and able to plump it out better.

What’s more, natural plant seed oils like rosehip and camellia are packed with omega fatty acids 3, 6 and 9, which help to protect our skin’s barrier and stop our skin from losing water, so it stays plumper and juicier-looking in the long term.

These precious oils also perform a double duty when it comes to anti-ageing – as well as hydrating our skin, they deliver potent antioxidants that protect it from free radical damage and calm the inflammation that can lead to premature wrinkles, so they actively help reduce the signs of ageing in skin. Try The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Facial Oil, £28.

Getty Images

Myth: Face oils are too rich and too thick to be used every day

Fact: High quality plant oils have a natural affinity with our skin, so they can be used day and night

‘Not only are they incredibly nourishing, ultra-lightweight and quick to absorb – but they also have the perfect texture to penetrate skin easily and deeply,’ says Dr. Terry Loong, Global skincare expert for The Body Shop.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Modern formulations of oil are now so pure and so ultra-fine, they feel more like watery serum than they do the face oils of yesteryear. What’s more, because they’re so easily absorbed by skin, face oils are perfect for every age and skin type – not just drier, needier complexions. Try mixing a drop or two of facial oil into your favourite moisturizer, to ramp up its smoothing effects. Or, for a relaxing pre-bed ritual, try massaging a couple of drops into warm, freshly cleansed skin for two minutes. It’s guaranteed to leave your skin softer and plumper by morning.

Myth: Face oils will cause your makeup to streak and slip

Fact: So not true! Layer it well and face oil can be your biggest ally when it comes to getting an all-over glow

We’ve found that massaging in a lightweight oil leaves our skin perfectly smoothed and primed for makeup. The key is using just a small amount and allowing it to fully absorb (one or two minutes should do it) before applying your favourite base. You can even pat it on to cheek, brow and collarbones after makeup, like a highlighter, to give your skin an amazing dewy glow without disturbing the rest of your makeup.

RED, PART OF THE HEARST UK FASHION & BEAUTY NETWORK
Red Online participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.